DavisMeschke

Using the rope is a complete cluster-fuck if you've ever done true "long routes". What you save in a few ounces of weight you lose in efficiency and time. Plus, you always climb the next pitch with the mindset that you have to stop early so you have enough rope to complete the anchor. Again, this is less efficient and costs time. Also, cord is a multi-use piece of gear; your climbing rope, not so much, especially when you're tied in. But hey, if you wanna haul around an extra 10M of climbing rope and claim to save weight by not bringing cord and lockers for your anchor, go for it.

While TFTNA is an incredible resource, I wouldn't mess around with it unless you have the time, motivation and resources to actually dedicate yourself to an entire training cycle. TFTNA is geared pretty much exclusively towards alpinism, not mountaineering. There's no need to follow a strict regimen if you're only going to be slogging 5000 feet. Run stairs, climb stairs, run hills, drag tires, etc. You don't need weighted ice tool hangs to prepare yourself for a hike. Guys used to train for the Himalayas by running and hiking. Some didn't even train at all. To each their own.

Thanks for the info, Curtis Ridge does look pretty convoluted, probably save that one for a later trip or if the right partner comes along that week. Still looking for partners between May 18-22nd and 25-28th.

Bump. Still looking for partners. I'll be there May 18-28. Hoping to get on Liberty Ridge, Curtis Ridge and/or Fuhrer Finger. Looking for good beta on Curtis Ridge and Liberty Ridgge as well. PM me if interested.

Bump. Found a partner for the 22-24, but still need a partner until the 28th. Lemme know if you're going to be up that way.

Looking for a Rainier partner for mid to late May, depending on taking time off. Coming from the Wind River Range (Wyoming) I have experience on moderate to steep snow, moderate ice, backcountry travel, and glacier navigation (although not much crevasse rescue bacuase of the small size of our crevasses). I'm a confident 5.8 trad/ 5.10 sport climber; lots of alpine rock under my belt. So... Looking for a Rainier partner in mid to late May. Not looking to hop on anything technically hard unless conditions or partner are right. Possible routes: Emmon's Glacier, Fuhrer Finger, DC route... Lemme know if you're interested. Cheers, Davis